HC Deb 25 June 1996 vol 280 cc82-3W
Mr. Jamieson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what plans his Department has to provide financial assistance towards the costs of strengthening the Tamar bridge. [34379]

Mr. Norris

Officials from the Government office for the south-west have discussed funding for strengthening the Tamar bridge with officers from the county council. The county council has been advised that if it thinks that it has an exceptional case for Government funding, it should submit a bid, which will be considered.

Mr. Jamieson

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what assessment he has made of the viability of the scheme proposed by Plymouth city council and Cornwall county council for a second Tamar crossing on the A38. [34378]

Mr. Watts

These authorities have not made such a proposal. However, the Secretary of State's proposal for a second Tamar crossing, and Plymouth city council and Cornwall county council's proposal for strengthening the existing bridge, are being assessed at present and I hope to make an announcement in due course.